Ranchi, May 11 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court on Monday expressed serious concern over the circulation of a viral video involving a young woman survivor and pulled up the police machinery for not acting promptly to curb its spread on digital platforms.

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Dhanbad appeared in person before the court in compliance with an earlier direction issued during the hearing of this case.

The SSP informed the court that an FIR had now been registered on the basis of the survivor’s complaint.

Taking note of the submission, the division bench comprising Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Sanjay Prasad exempted the SSP from appearing personally in future hearings and posted the matter for further hearing on June 11.

However, the bench voiced strong displeasure over the manner in which the matter was handled by the police department.

The court observed that once the objectionable video began circulating online, immediate and effective steps should have been taken to ensure its prompt removal from social media and other digital platforms.

The bench was informed during the hearing that the viral video had allegedly originated from Gujarat and not Jharkhand. Even then, the court noted, the local police could not remain passive spectators and were duty-bound to coordinate with relevant agencies and cyber authorities to prevent further circulation of the content.

Taking a stern view of the lapse, the High Court directed the Dhanbad SSP to expedite the investigation and file a detailed status report before the next date of hearing.

The matter relates to the accused Ravi Saw, who had earlier secured bail from the High Court in a criminal case. Following his release, the survivor approached the court seeking cancellation of his bail, alleging that he had resumed unlawful activities and subjected her to mental harassment by circulating her video online.

The survivor had also submitted a written complaint before the cyber police, alleging misuse and circulation of the video through digital platforms.

In an earlier hearing, the High Court had strongly criticised the Dhanbad police for allegedly failing to register an FIR despite the complaint disclosing cognisable offences.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the police response, the court had sought an explanation and directed the Dhanbad SSP to appear personally before the bench.

Advocate Shailesh Kumar Singh appeared on behalf of the appellant during Monday’s proceedings.

–IANS

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